OK, maybe a stupid question but do you polish your car first and then get the clear bra? Or, do you just get it really clean and then have it installed. It just kind of creeps me out to have the dealer do it before I even take possession of the car. I'm starting to worry about such things since my car is about a week out, the long wait is almost over!

 

The installer should make sure it is clean before applying the material. The first time I had it done, they used alcohol to wipe down the surface to remove any wax before application. Don't know if this is common practice, but it sounds reasonable.

 

The people that put on the clear bra will need to strip any wax off before applying it. The adhesive on the film won't stick properly to a waxed surface.

BTW// The dealer usually hires a local tint shop to put the clear bra on. They will need to keep it until that shop can get it done. Mine only took a day.

 

kmp, I hear ya'. I obsessed over everything in the interim between making the deal and getting the car, including the clear bra. But zeewiz is right -- it will most likely be cleaned by the dealer prior to turning over to the installer, and then the installer does their own cleaning, including an alcohol "wipe." If they're good, they want everything squeaky clean so they won't have to do it over again. So they'll make sure it's appropriately cleaned regardless.

If you really want to be a pest about it like I was, make sure your dealer delivers the car observing the "break in" rules (i.e., no >4000 RPMs in 1st 1200 miles). I had nightmares of them having some shmo joyriding at redline to take it over to the installer.

 

Thanks everyone, It sounds quite reasonable to me now. I just wanted to be sure that everything will shine the same when I give it a good going over with Zaino.

 

The only problem I have had is the wax builds up on the edge of the film. I have to be careful to thoroughly clear the film edge.

I am interested to try the water based waxes to eliminate this problem.

 

The dealer installed my clear bra for $800, mine is blue slate and it's not easy to see, I'm glad I did it.

 

Someone mentioned using painter's tape along the edge to keep that from happening. I've seen detailers use it, so might not be such a bad idea.